Personificatie van gelukzaligheid 1710s

Arnold Houbraken rendered this "Personification of Bliss" as an etching around 1700, a vision laden with symbols of an enduring quest. The figure, draped in classical robes and adorned with fruits, embodies abundance. She holds a spear, signaling power and readiness. But observe, how this very motif of the female figure with cornucopia can be traced back to ancient Roman depictions of Fortuna or Ceres! Throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods, this imagery resurfaces, evolving to represent not only earthly bounty, but also spiritual fulfillment. Notice how Houbraken’s figure, with her serene gaze and graceful posture, invites us into a state of idealized contentment. In the collective unconscious, this figure embodies the deep-seated desire for well-being and prosperity. It's not merely an image, but a vessel carrying centuries of longing, a potent force engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. The pursuit of bliss is not a linear path, but a cyclical journey. The symbols of abundance and power, like those seen here, reappear, adapt, and are continually reinterpreted across time, mirroring humanity's enduring quest for fulfillment.